As we discussed in the Treatment Goals section, taking your medication as directed by your doctor is important because it can help keep the amount of the virus in your body low. A low "viral load" is important to help prevent the risk of damage to your liver. In fact, studies have suggested a relationship between a high viral load and a higher risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis.^1,2 Chronic hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide, and up to 25% of people with chronic hepatitis B die from the disease if untreated.³ That's why it's so important to see your doctor and keep your viral load as low as possible even if you do not have any symptoms.

Risk associated with stopping treatment without your doctor's advice
Once you begin treatment, you should continue taking it unless your doctor tells you to stop. Your liver disease may get worse if you stop taking your medication without your doctor’s supervision.

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1. Chen CJ, Yang HI, Su J, et al. Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma across a biological gradient of serum hepatitis B virus DNA level. JAMA. 2006;295(1):65-73.
2. Iloeje UH, Yang HI, Su J, et al. Predicting cirrhosis risk based on the level of circulating hepatitis B viral load. Gastroenterology. 2006;130(3):678-86.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hepatitis B Fact Sheet. Available at: www.cdc.gov/hepatitis. Published October 25, 2005.